Member of the Australian team. She won two gold medals in athletics and returned home a champion. This is just one example of the incredible achievements and opportunities that Special Olympics Clubs – Central Coast provides for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the Central Coast area.
Special Olympics Clubs – Central Coast is a part of the Special Olympics network, a global movement that has been transforming the lives of people with intellectual disabilities for almost 50 years. The club was established in Australia in 1976, with the aim of providing sport, recreation, social, and health opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities who may otherwise be shut out from participating in such activities.
The club offers a range of sports and activities for its members, allowing them to have fun, stay healthy, build self-esteem, demonstrate courage, and make friends. With the support of dedicated volunteers and the local community, Special Olympics Clubs – Central Coast aims to open doors to personal achievement, pride, and inclusion for some marginalised and isolated members of our community.
Unlike other sporting organisations, Special Olympics focuses specifically on individuals with intellectual disabilities, providing them with year-round programmes and competitions across a variety of sports. The club ensures that individuals of all capabilities have access to robust competition pathways, including the World Games, which are hosted on a four-year cycle in both summer and winter sports.
Intellectual disability may not always be obvious to others, but at Special Olympics Clubs – Central Coast, it is recognised that every individual has hidden talents waiting to be uncovered. By providing a supportive and inclusive environment, the club aims to make these abilities visible and help individuals reach their full potential.
Special Olympics Clubs – Central Coast relies on the support and generosity of the local community, as their goal is to reach more individuals with intellectual disabilities and spread the joy of sport and community. With an estimated 850,000 people in Australia living with intellectual disabilities and/or autism, and only 3,000 athletes currently participating in Special Olympics Australia, your support can make a significant impact.
Whether through donations, volunteering, or participating in the club's activities, every contribution helps Special Olympics Clubs - Central Coast create a better world for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Join the club in their mission and help provide opportunities for these individuals to achieve their dreams and be a part of a community that celebrates their abilities.